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Undergraduate Research
If you're thinking about an undergraduate chemistry major and want to do original, cutting-edge research with an actual faculty member (not a graduate student) then Randolph-Macon Department of Chemistry is the place for you! We offer:
- Research opportunities starting as early as the freshman year.
- The opportunity to get course credit for research.
- Summer research opportunities through the SURF program - get paid for full-time research, get valuable experience in the lab, and have fun with a group of like-minded scientists!
Research projects are currently ongoing in the areas of organometallic and inorganic chemistry (Dr. Schreiner), polymer science, forensic science, and analytical chemistry (Dr. Marchetti), organic chemistry (Dr. Thoburn), environmental chemistry (Dr. Michelsen) and biochemistry (Dr. Green)..
The Three-Year B.S. Degree
The 4-1-4 curriculum at Randolph-Macon College allows very ambitious students to earn a B.S. chemistry degree in just three years. This option is often pursued by students who decide to major in chemistry after their sophomore year or those who wish to forego a fourth year in college. If you think you might want to obtain your degree in three years, make sure you contact Dr. Schreiner, Department Chair, at sschreiner@rmc.edu.
| Fall Semester | January Term* | Spring Semester |
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1st Year
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CHEM 200
Math 131 or 141
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CHEM 201
Math 132 or 142
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2nd Year | CHEM 221
Physics 151
CHEM Elective
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CHEM 222
CHEM Elective
Physics 152
Chemistry 340 |
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3rd Year |
CHEM 311
CHEM 407
CHEM Elective
| | CHEM 322
CHEM 495
CHEM Elective |
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| *Research and Internship Requirements can be fulfilled during the January Term. |
**Electives include advanced physical chemistry, instrumental methods, advanced inorganic chemistry, medicinal chemistry, polymer chemistry, biochemistry II, chemical internship, organometallic chemistry, forensic chemistry, and advanced experimental chemistry.
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Internships
The chemistry department can arrange an internship for you during the January term. You will work as a chemist at a local chemical industry or state or federal agency for credit. During the internship, you will work approx. 40 hours per week under the direction of a site supervisor. You cannot be paid for the internship while you are receiving coursework credits. Currently, we are encouraging internships with Boehringer-Ingelheim (Richmond and Petersburg) and other local companies such as Virginia Institute of Marine Science and Consolidated Labs (Commonwealth of Virginia Forensics Lab).
The chemistry department offers several scholarship opportunities for both new students to the college and students who have already declared chemistry as a major. The most prominent of these scholarships are the Jackson Fellowships. These fellowships are designed to encourage high-ability chemistry, biology, and pre-med students who are interested in Randolph-Macon College. The scholarships range in value from $1000 to $3000, and are in addition to any other financial aid that the student might receive from the college. The scholarships can be renewed for up to four years. Scholarships are also sometimes awarded to students who are already at the college and who have declared a scientific field as their major.
